KARACHI ( Web Desk) – Prominent legal expert Barrister Salahuddin Ahmed has raised concerns over the use of artificial intelligence in judicial decisions, warning that unverified AI-generated legal references could lead to erroneous judgments and create additional difficulties for litigants.
Speaking to Geo News, Ahmed said cases involving AI-assisted judgments were emerging in district courts and described the practice as unacceptable when legal authorities and precedents were not properly verified.
He noted that litigants could be forced to approach appellate courts to challenge decisions containing errors. He urged appellate judges to intervene and consider appropriate action against the relevant judicial officers through the Member Inspection Team.
Ahmed recalled an appeal in which he identified a judicial decision that he believed had been prepared using artificial intelligence. During proceedings, he informed the judge that the legal references cited in the original judgment did not appear to exist.
According to Ahmed, his examination of the cited authorities and judicial precedents revealed that the decision relied on references that could not be verified, raising serious questions about the reliability of the ruling.
He explained that preparing a judicial judgment requires careful consideration of relevant laws, legal arguments and previous court decisions. While a human may spend four to five hours drafting such a decision, AI tools can generate text within minutes, but speed does not guarantee legal accuracy.
The legal expert stressed that lawyers and judges must verify every citation and precedent before relying on AI-generated material. He also called for seminars and workshops to educate legal professionals about the responsible use of emerging technologies.
Concerns about AI-generated errors have also emerged internationally, highlighting the risks of relying on automated systems without adequate human oversight. Legal professionals have increasingly emphasised the importance of checking the authenticity of case citations and ensuring that judicial decisions remain grounded in established law.
The debate underscores the need for clear safeguards governing AI use in courts, ensuring that technology supports legal research and drafting without compromising judicial accountability, accuracy or public confidence in the justice system.
